Georgia’s second largest lake, Lake Oconee, is situated between Atlanta and Augusta, where it boasts roughly 19,000 acres, a height of 120 feet and 374 miles of shoreline in the heart of Georgia's lake country. The lake extends through the counties of Morgan, Greene, Hancock and Putnam and serves as a reservoir for Georgia Power Company’s Wallace Hydroelectric Plant. Lake Oconee was created in 1979 when construction of the Wallace Dam on the Oconee River was completed. The lake is fed by the Oconee and Appalachee Rivers and has a rich culture and history that makes it unique. 

Lake Oconee got its name from a group of Creek Indians that lived close to Georgia's Oconee River basin. Oconee is a Creek Indian word which can be interpreted to mean “born from water;” “living on water;” “great waters;” “the place of springs;” or “the water eyes of the hills.”  For the Creek Indians who settled along the Oconee River, it was a vital resource used for drinking water, food, transportation and as a boundary, which separated the Creek and Cherokee Nations  during the pre-colonial period, and the English Colonies in Georgia and the Native American frontier to the west after the arrival of Europeans in the region. 

From beneath the cool waters of Lake Oconee, mysteries of its historic past were found in the form of artifacts, revealing aspects of the first inhabitants of the Oconee Valley, a 1845 mill community and an old plantation. Back in the 1970s, more than 3,000 sites were identified by archaeologists, of which less than 30 have been excavated, with artifacts dating back 12,000 years to 100 years ago; local museums house collections of these artifacts, which serves as a reminder of a time, people and culture, gone but not forgotten. 

People gravitate to Lake Oconee because it is a prime spot for fishing. Some of the fish species on the lake includes, striped bass, largemouth bass, and white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, flathead catfish, bluegill brim, hybrid striped bass,  and white bullhead. 

There are many activities to enjoy on Lake Oconee and in its vicinity, from boating, fishing, waterskiing and swimming, to visiting local museums and historic homes. Beaches and campgrounds are open to the public, while Reynolds Plantation, a 4,800-acre wildlife preserve is filled with magical possibilities. Lake Oconee is a blend of history, heritage, and fun adventures.

All sizes are approximate.